2006 Tobin James, Paso Robles, “5”; This was their first “5” which is a blend of the five Bordeaux grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, and Malbec. They all come from various Paso vineyards in various proportions. It lists for $55 and came with the spring ’09 wine club shipment; and weighs in at 14.4% alcohol.

It gave a ton of fruit on the nose and upfront. There was more ripe fruit and a touch of cassis in the complexity on the palate. The finish lingered nicely. We matched it beef tips Teriyaki, rice pilaf cooked in turkey stock, and a lovely salad mostly from our garden.